READING TIME: 5 min 18 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/04/2024
UPDATED: 11/05/2024
Photography is more than just a career for Alex Lasota—it's a continuation of a family legacy, an artistic outlet, and a means of preserving the most intimate, joyful moments in people's lives. With over a decade of experience, Alex has developed a unique style that combines editorial finesse with photojournalistic authenticity, creating timeless memories for her clients. Join us as we explore her journey and approach to capturing love stories that last a lifetime.
Alex’s introduction to photography didn’t start in a typical way. It began with an unexpected nod to her heritage and a push from a friend that led her to a new passion.
“While my professional journey began in 2011, photography itself has always been a part of my life. As a kid, I was the one capturing all the important moments and ensuring everyone had updated Myspace profile photos! Yet, I never considered it as a career path until I started delving deeper into my family heritage.”
Alex discovered that her grandmother and great-grandfather had owned a photography studio in Garbatka, a small town near Warsaw, Poland. “Learning more about her career journey through my father and relatives made me realize that I could pursue photography as a viable profession, and in doing so, I could help keep our family’s photography legacy alive.”
Though Alex had initially hesitated to photograph weddings, fate had other plans. “I played around with photography for a while and initially swore I’d never shoot weddings—until a friend encouraged me to give it a shot. Thanks to that friend, I completely fell in love with it.”
That turning point changed everything, and now, weddings have become her artistic playground. Alex fell for the raw emotion, the fleeting moments, and the opportunity to creatively capture each couple’s unique love story. “There's something truly powerful in being able to give people images that reflect the tangible love that exists in their lives. It’s an honor, and it’s a responsibility I never take lightly. I also find it a distinct privilege to do work that allows me to creatively tell the stories behind those moments. It’s more than just taking photos—it’s capturing the essence of connection, joy, and togetherness in a way that lasts for generations.”
Alex’s photography style stands out for its ability to seamlessly blend different approaches, creating images that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant. “I would describe my photography style as a blend of editorial and photojournalistic, creating images that are both timeless and emotive.”
She believes that each part of the wedding day requires a different approach. From elegantly styled portraits to candid shots that reflect authentic moments, Alex’s workflows with the day’s narrative. “My goal is to capture not just the beauty of the day, but also the genuine emotion and storytelling behind each moment.”
While many photographers rely solely on digital cameras, Alex has a love for film that brings a unique quality to her work. “I use a combination of digital and film cameras in my photography, and I’ve recently started incorporating drone photography as well.”
She’s passionate about the process and the results that film provides, explaining that the tactile experience of film brings an element of surprise and nostalgia to the work. “While digital photography is incredible, there’s something about film that you just can’t replicate. I also love the anticipation of waiting for film scans to arrive—it often feels like Christmas!”
For those interested in her gear, Alex uses a Canon R5, Fuji GFX 50s II, and the iconic Contax 645 film camera, always with a variety of lenses to capture the best perspectives for each moment.
Alex’s dedication to perfection doesn’t stop at the wedding day itself. She brings the same level of care to her post-processing workflow. “After a wedding, my post-processing begins by sending off the film and starting the ‘culling’ process, where I carefully go through the images and select the best ones for the final gallery.”
She focuses on ensuring that every key moment is captured and that her digital and film images flow together seamlessly. “Once my film scans are back, I color-match the digital images to align seamlessly with the film.”
Through meticulous attention to detail in straightening, color correction, and light retouching, Alex ensures her clients receive photos that are both clean and true to life.
For Alex, being a wedding photographer is more than just a job—it’s a way to celebrate love and create lasting memories. “What I enjoy most about being a photographer is how, as I grow older, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the intrinsic value of gathering the people you love most in one space.”
The emotional weight of her role is something Alex never takes for granted. “It’s an honor, and it’s a responsibility I never take lightly.” Her goal is always to give couples images that reflect the love and joy that filled their day—something they can look back on for years to come.
A successful wedding photography experience starts long before the wedding day. For Alex, communication and collaboration with her clients are essential to achieving the best results. “Achieving my clients' desired outcome always requires a collaborative team effort.”
She works closely with her couples and their planners to understand their vision, making sure every detail is aligned with their expectations. “Through open communication and careful planning, I’m able to anticipate the moments, style, and details that matter most to them.”
By building trust and rapport, Alex can ensure that each couple’s love story is captured in a way that feels authentic to them.
Alex understands that no two weddings are alike, which is why she offers customized packages to meet the unique needs of each couple. “Over the years, I’ve learned that no two couples or their celebrations are alike.”
From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, Alex’s flexibility allows her to provide tailored solutions that ensure each couple’s vision is realized. “I believe it's in both my clients' best interest and my own to create customized packages that align with each couple’s unique desires. Plus, it’s much more enjoyable when things aren’t cookie-cutter.”
When it comes to advice for couples, Alex’s philosophy is simple: stay true to yourselves. “My biggest piece of advice is to relax and be yourselves. Whether it’s an engagement shoot or your wedding day, this time is all about the two of you.”
Alex encourages couples to focus on what matters most to them and avoid getting caught up in trends or outside pressures. “Take the time to explore your heritage, traditions, and relationship to discover what is most meaningful to you.”
She also recommends hiring a professional planner to help with the logistics, allowing couples to enjoy their day without stress.
As a photographer who has captured weddings across the U.S. and internationally, Alex has a passion for destination weddings. “Yes, I do destination weddings! I photograph many throughout the United States, and before Covid, I used to shoot internationally quite often.”
One of her favorite experiences was photographing a wedding in Kent, England, a memory she treasures to this day. “It’s still a standout memory.” Alex is also eager to photograph more weddings in Northern California and the East Coast, particularly in places like Newport, Rhode Island, and New York City.
As she looks to the future, Alex remains committed to evolving her craft while staying true to her roots.
With her blend of editorial artistry and authentic storytelling, Alex Lasota continues to leave a lasting impact on the couples she works with, creating images that will be cherished for generations.
